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Environment and business

BUSINESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT 

Sustainability. Climate change. Environmental footprint. Green Businesses.

These days, businesses hear these words frequently.  Getting your head around these issues can be overwhelming.

So what does it mean for your business to be 'green'?

Consuming resources

Every business consumes water, electricity and other resources. Often businesses are high consumers of these things. Depending on your industry, this can mean expensive utility bills and high trade-waste costs.

Many of the resources consumed by business are not going to be available forever. Often they come from unrenewable sources.

So how can you go green?   

Being 'green' means being aware of sustainable practices and incorporating them into your business practices. Being green means changing the way you do business so that your operations have a positive or neutral effect on the environment.
 
A green business is one that is aware of what resources it consumes, uses resources efficiently and strives to be self-sufficient.
 
A green business demonstrates responsible environmental and economic conduct, and greening your business can provide you with opportunities to positively promote your products and services.   

Energy programs and rebates for businesses

Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program

Available to businesses that use up to around $20,000 in electricity a year or have up to 10 employees, this program offers a subsidised and personalised energy assessment and action plan and the opportunity for rebates on the implementation of energy saving methods.

For more information visit the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program website.

Sydney WaterWater Savvy Sustainable Business Project

Auburn City Council has partnered with Sydney Water to perform water assessments for medium to high water using businesses.

Businesses using between 10KL and 80KL of water per day are eligible for a comprehensive water assessment to identify potential saving in water use. If your business's water bill is between $7,000 and $105,000 per year, contact Auburn City Council's Business Sustainability Officer (02) 9735 1222 for information.

Every Drop Counts (EDC) Business Program

Businesses account for nearly one third of Sydney’s daily water use. When businesses cut water costs they often save money in wastewater, energy and chemical treatment costs too.

Sydney Water’s Every Drop Counts (EDC) Business Program works with businesses in the Sydney region to help cut reduce water usage and business costs.

Streamline Business Program

The Streamline project aims to assist businesses in the Silverwater and Camellia areas to adopt sustainable business practices.
 
Streamline encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing by providing tools and opportunities for businesses to interact. These opportunities increase a business' ability to become more efficient, reduce their environmental impact and improve their bottom line.
 
Streamline is a partnership project between Auburn City Council and Parramatta City Council and has received funding from the NSW Environmental Trust.
 

For more information see the Streamline website

 
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